I wanted to carry a Benchmade...

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
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So, there I am, minding my own business, when I decide that I need a folder for everyday/urban carry. Thinking that the knife would be a Benchmade Axis Lock for sure, I order three G-10 Benchmade models and one Spyderco ParaMilitary PE (just to see what all the fuss was about). Well, they all arrived and while the BMs are absolutely beautiful, functional knives, it was the PM that snuck up and won the contest hands down. I’m not sure, but I think it was either the S30V steel, smooth action, positive lock, great ergos, textured G-10, or the no nonsense, straight-forward design that did it for me.

Anyway, I’m a very happy person right now! :)

One question: When the knife is closed, the blade isn't centered between the handle slabs. The blade is approximately 1/32" from the handle. Is that normal or should it be more centered?

Many thanks,
Tom
 
No doubt the 552 is a good one, but for this particular knife, I wanted G-10.

Best,
Tom
 
Blade centering is mostly personal preference. It doesn't need to be centered at all, unless it bothers you. A blade that rubs on one liner all the way down will still cut just as well as a perfectly centered blade. The only difference is whether you mind.

If it bugs you, send it back.

Peace.
 
It doesn't really bother me. I was just wondering if it was common on this model. The blade locks up rock solid vertically and horizontally which is more important to me.

How about the "copper colored stain" on the thumb grooves. Can that be polished off easily? If not, no big deal.

Thanks.
 
The Para is my pocket champ also.

On the Golden knives, the blades are usually centered, all of mine are.
You could: 1. return to factory. 2. Tighten pivot screw. 3. Take apart to check if perhaps there is a washer missing (one washer each side)
 
Doing a quick search, I have discovered that an off centered, closed blade is quite common on the Para. It is something that I can definitely live with. It was more of a curiousity than anything. Other than that, the knife is perfect. The blade is perfectly straight when open.

Tom :thumbup:
 
The blade on my Paramilitary is off just slightly when closed. A few other people have said theirs is the same way.
 
Although I don't remember exactly when, or what to search for, the copper colored stain issue came up before. Apparently it's a result of the manufacturing process (i.e. cutting the steel, I think), and is a non-issue (i.e. it isn't rust, it won't get worse, etc.). Both of my Paramils have the same thing.

And, both of them are slightly off-center when closed. I never though much about it after a week or so...:)
 
Thanks edb.

Maybe the stain is a secret mark to ensure the knife is an authentic Spyderco. :)

Regarding the off centered blade, here is the reply that I received from Spyderco:

"That is completely normal. I would not worry about it unless the blade is rubbing on the handle slab. If so you are always free to send it in. Here is a copy of our warranty and shipping instructions."

If it's good enough for Spyderco, it's good enough for me.

Tom :thumbup:
 
Because of Spyderco's great designs, great performance, and great customer service, I pretty much don't bother with any other knife makers at this point. Nothing against the others - I just like sticking with a winner...
 
You are correct edb. Guys at work ask me why I don't try other brands of knives. I know that there are other good knives but Spyderco gives me everything I need. No reason to go anywhere else!!

Ron
 
I think it's off-center because the lock mechanism pushes on one end of the blade, keeping it closed. I'm going to try some wider (not thicker) pb washers and see if that helps...
 
TAH said:
vinny,

Mine leans towards the lock side, if that helps.
Click to expand...

Yup, so does mine now that I look at it. Hmmph.:confused:
Oh well, I'm gonna try the washers anyway. Should get 'em in a few days.
 
Taking apart knives isn't my cup of tea. I can't even master the toaster oven. :o

Tom
 
I have two Para Millies, a PE and a SE.
The PE is not 100% centered, but the lock is smoother than the one on my SE. (on the SE, when I unlock it, I feel a Click, like if it has something not polished enough - need to use it more :) )
But both lock great, NO blade play whatsoever...

And both have that cooper color inside the hole, that I, by the way, like.
That has been discussed here some time ago, and has something to do with the laser cut of the hole.

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil
 
Compression lock knives seem to have blades that are off centered away from the lock. Check your yojimbos

It's kind of annoying.

But the para is still a new classic
 
For me, the positives of this knife far outweigh the closed blade being off center. :thumbup:
 
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